Hip replacement surgery in Bristol

At Nuffield Health The Chesterfield Hospital in Bristol, we are proud to offer complete end-to-end patient care during your hip replacement, from the initial consultation, through to surgery and then your full recovery.
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The guide price
stated above is an approximation of the cost of treatment only. The final price
may vary according to Consultant fees, prosthesis or drugs used and any
pre-existing medical conditions which may alter your care pathway.
You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following
your initial consultation with a Consultant.

At Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital we treat every patient as an individual, offering bespoke care. Recovery after hip replacement surgery will require support. As part of your treatment package, you'll have access to a Nuffield Health physiotherapist at your local Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Gym through our unique recovery plus programme.

Your consultant will also support and guide you from your initial consultation through to your rehabilitation. You'll stay in your own private room with en-suite during your time in hospital. We'll do everything we can to make sure your treatment is as smooth and efficient as possible.

We run regular, free to attend open events where you can learn more about the various hip procedures we offer in Bristol from the consultant surgeon himself.

Why might I need a hip replacement?

Over time, the surfaces on the hip joint can start to wear

This can be caused by osteoarthritis or a previous injury to the hip

Osteoarthritis is painful as joints become stiff and inflamed when the smooth lining between the joints gets damaged or wears away

Without the protection of this lining, the rough surfaces of your bones rub together as you move, causing the pain that is all too common to sufferers

Simple, everyday things like going for a walk or even getting dressed become difficult

There’s no cure for osteoarthritis and it can get worse with time

However, joints can be replaced successfully, improving mobility and reducing pain.

Key facts

A variety of anaesthetic techniques are used. Prior to your operation the anaesthetist will discuss these options with you

Your surgeon’s choice of prosthesis will be based on several factors such as your age, your level of activity and your current condition

Both cemented and uncemented replacements are used at our Bristol Hospital

If you have concerns be sure and ask your surgeon about his prosthesis choice

Your surgical wound will be closed with stitches, staples or steri-strips.

After your hip replacement at our Bristol Hospital

Once your operation is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where you will wake from the anaesthetic

Your wound, blood pressure and pulse will be checked carefully

You will have a large dressing covering your wound

Be sure to let our dedicated nursing team know if you are in any pain

You may have a small tube coming out of your wound, this is to drain away any excess fluid from the inside of the wound

You may also have a drip (infusion) going into your arm. This will keep you hydrated until you are able to drink, and it can also be used to give you pain relief

When you are stable and comfortable, a nurse will take you back to your private room.

Back in your private room

Once back in your room, our nursing team will continue to check on you to make sure you are recovering well

Try not to touch or disturb your dressings as this can introduce infection

If you notice any bleeding or have any pain, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our nurses

After you’ve recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic, you can have something to eat and drink

While you are in bed, you may have help with the circulation in your legs, in order to prevent blood clots (DVT)

The first day or so you could wear boots on your legs that are inflated with air

You will also wear support stockings to help your circulation and may have daily injections or tablets to help prevent blood clotting that may continue for up to 6 weeks. Also we may encourage you to move your legs if you are able

You may have some deep breathing exercises to do, to help prevent any chest problems after surgery

The day after surgery you will have an X-ray of your new hip to check its position

Don’t forget to wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet at any time.

Getting up for the first time

We understand that you may be anxious or worried about getting up, but we will do all we can to help and reassure you

Don’t worry, a member of our team will be there to help you, whenever you are ready

The reason for getting you moving is to improve your circulation and avoid stiffness

You may be feeling tender and sore, but you can get pain relief medication to deal with any discomfort – just ask one of the nurses if you have any pain

Once out of bed, you will continue to wear support stockings to help your circulation

The physiotherapists will work with you during your stay to help give you the best start with your new joint

We will do all we can to help and reassure you.

Going home after hip replacement

A physiotherapist will give you some exercises to help get your new hip moving

These are important to help you make a good recovery

You may be using crutches or a walker

When you are able to walk up and down stairs, you can go home

You won’t be able to drive, so you will need someone to come and take you home from the hospital, once you have been discharged

It’s usual to return to see your consultant as an outpatient after your operation

You may also need to have stitches removed

You’ll be given information about these appointments before you go home

We’ll also give you some pain relief medication to take with you

When you get home, will be tired and should rest

However, it’s also important to aim to gradually increase your physical activity each day, so you should continue with the exercises the physiotherapist showed you

These will help to reduce stiffness and strengthen your legs

Keep using a walker, crutches or a walking stick until you feel confident

To help you regain mobility, it’s recommended that you take any pain relief medication we have prescribed.

So you don’t damage your new hip and to help your wound heal, you may be asked to follow a few restrictions for the first six weeks of your recovery:

Avoid bending your new hip beyond 90 degrees

Avoid rolling your leg towards the other leg

Avoid crossing your legs

Avoid twisting on your new hip when standing

Use the shower instead of the bath

Keep wearing your support stockings - you may have to do so for four to six weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns about your restrictions be sure and ask a member of the Healthcare Team or the Physiotherapist.

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following hip revision. As with any surgery there can be complications: